Different state halls of fame have recognized many notable Arkansans, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce President Terry Hartwick said, but they've often overlooked noteworthy women who don't fall under a specific category.
After considering an idea for the past few years to change such oversights, Hartwick has the backing of the chamber and a partnership with the Arkansas Business Publishing Group to create an Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame.
A luncheon Wednesday at the chamber, 100 Main St. in North Little Rock, will kick off the campaign, he said.
The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame -- to name some that already exist -- all serve a purpose and include women, but they miss the achievements of those who don't exactly fit the halls' criteria, he said.
Hartwick said his idea is for a hall for female Arkansans that is not about "black, white, politics, sports or business. It covers all of them."
"If someone wasn't a politician and didn't play sports, what's there for them?" he said.
"It's meant to take diverse backgrounds," he added. "I want it to cover the people who are not always thought of for a hall of fame."
The project will move forward with nomination submissions beginning in the spring. Selections would be announced in early summer, with an induction banquet tentatively planned for Aug. 27, according to a proposed timeline.
However, the criteria for nominations and selection haven't been established, Hartwick said. A committee will be chosen to set a nomination process and define what qualifies nominees and how many to induct, he said.
The Women's Hall of Fame will be mobile in its early years so it can be promoted statewide, Hartwick said, with a goal of someday having it in a permanent location.
A summary of the Women's Hall of Fame goals states that it will "showcase outstanding women for their historical achievements and celebrate the accomplishments that have made an impact to the overall well-being of our great state." It adds that this includes women from such diverse backgrounds as educators, entrepreneurs, athletes and artists.
Hartwick said he won't participate in the selection process, but he has ideas as to the type of person he envisions as needing such recognition. And he's certain there are some deserving women from around the state with whom he isn't familiar, he added.
A name Hartwick keeps returning to when talking about potential honorees is the late Willie Oates, Arkansas' "hat lady" who was a major volunteer and fundraiser for state and local nonprofits and was known for her colorful, unique hats. Oates died in 2008 at age 90.
In a tribute after Oates' death, Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton School of Public Service, wrote that she was "one of the most remarkable women in Arkansas's history" and that with the "possible exception" of former President Bill Clinton, Oates "may have been Arkansas's most recognizable figure."
"I use Willie Oates a lot" when promoting the project, Hartwick said. "Think of all the things she did. Those are the kind of people we're forgetting about [in other halls]. These are women who have had an impact on the state of Arkansas who we're forgetting."
Hartwick said he's been encouraged by the support for the idea. Wednesday's luncheon had 72 confirmed reservations by late last week, according to a list he shared, including political, business, academic and nonprofit leaders locally and statewide.
"Everybody is saying it's about time someone did this," Hartwick said, "and that it's the right thing to do."
Metro on 12/07/2014